European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Oil prices rose slightly in Asian trade on Friday but are set for a muted weekly finish as concerns over slowing U.S. demand and rising supply weighed on the market. Brent crude futures for November inched up 0.1% to $67.53 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 0.1% to $63.31. Both benchmarks gained around 1% for the week, reflecting mixed signals on global demand and supply outlook.
A stronger U.S. dollar—rebounding from three-year lows despite the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates—limited oil’s upside. The Fed signaled further rate cuts ahead, which could support long-term demand, but markets remained cautious as the U.S. labor market showed signs of cooling. Seasonal weakness in fuel consumption during the winter also raised doubts about sustained demand.
Geopolitical risks added volatility, with tensions between Russia and Ukraine fueling speculation about potential supply disruptions. However, optimism was tempered by fresh inventory data showing a sharp rise in U.S. distillate stockpiles, raising fears of weaker consumption.
On the supply side, Kazakhstan resumed exports through the Baku-Tbilsi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline after resolving contamination issues. This key route boosts Kazakhstan’s ability to export oil independently of Russia. Meanwhile, Nigeria lifted emergency rule in Rivers State, a vital oil hub previously plagued by militant attacks on pipelines. The move is expected to stabilize production and exports.
Market attention also turned to possible U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil and its buyers, after President Donald Trump acknowledged difficulties in ceasefire negotiations. Traders are balancing risks of disrupted supply against concerns of oversupply in coming quarters.
Overall, crude prices remain rangebound as investors weigh slowing U.S. demand, rising inventories, stronger dollar pressures, and shifting global supply dynamics.
